About Boards Of Elections

Do all counties and local governments have a Board of Elections?

Yes. All counties and local governments have an office charged with monitoring and conducting elections. In some jurisdictions, this entity may have a different name, such as Board of Registrars, but it has the same authority and responsibilities as a Board of Elections.

Do state governments have Boards of Elections?

Some states have offices with the title Board of Elections. However, these state-level offices are usually established for the purpose of elections enforcement and the investigation of complaints. They do not have the breadth of responsibility for conducting elections typically associated with county and local boards of elections. In addition, all but three states have a Secretary of State with some elections oversight authority.

Do voters have to register every year or every election?

No. Once a voter is registered, he or she is permanently registered and will remain on the voter list until the voter is removed due to death or relocating to a new voting district.